Really lovely shop with a great history. During Christmas they have more of the house open for a…read morefestive shopping section, so you can look around a bit more. They've had some lovely new ranges more recently and I love that they switch up their collections so it's always worth popping in.

The Merchants house was built in the 17th century for a silk merchant called Thomas Bailey…read morefollowing the great fire of Marlborough. The house is open on the weekend (from about May to October), and always has a friendly guide to show you round. Even if you've been before it's worth going again because they are constantly rediscovering old features and restoring it to its former glory. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the progress of historical reconstruction. Added bonus - there is always live 17th-century music in the house on Saturdays. Also - If you enjoy concerts, and live in the area, then make sure you ask them for their list of events. They are always high-calibre and thoroughly enjoyable if you like that sort of thing. (And I do)

A top class art gallery in the middle of nowhere - what's not to like?! Hauser & Wirth is a…read moreleading gallery for contemporary and modern art with well established outlets in Zurich, London, New York and LA. I love the fact that they took over an old farm in Somerset and turned it into an oasis of calm and beauty. The current exhibition by Pipilotti Rist (till Feb 2015) alone is worth the trip. One of her video and sound installations is presented in a big room where visitors are asked to take off their shoes and settle on one of the fluffy sheep skins dotted around the floor - the most comfortable exhibition I have ever visited! There's also a lovely shop with local artisan products and a restaurant/bar - enough to keep you busy for most of the day.

Fabulous gallery - great selection of jewellery and friendly staff. I always buy my friends'…read morepresents here and they always love them. Plus I'm still getting compliments on the butterfly necklace I bought here 4 years ago!

This is a little gem of a place! Stanley Spencer is one of Britain's best loved painters and he…read moreused to live in this village. Somehow, there is this amazing gallery with some of his most famous work in this pretty village. I've been many, many times and I love it the same every time I come. It's not big but it's quite clever and delightful.

Over 60 stunning installations set in an estate park plus an award-winning gallery and artist's…read morehouse housing a programme of exhibitions. Roche Court is open daily and is free although a donation to Salisbury Hospice (optional) is suggested. Groups and schools should call ahead and book. View works by the likes of Anthony Caro, Anthony Gormley, Gavin Turk, Eva Rothschild, Michael Hischer, Alison Crowley, Bill Woodrow and many more. All works are for sale and you are requested not to take photographs.

The Art House is somewhere I make sure I frequent every time I'm in Southampton town centre. With…read moretheir vast selection of teas, coffees and vegan food - it's a great little place to grab something light in a pleasant atmosphere. I've never eaten a meal here however I've only heard good things, but what I will say is that their coffee is divine! You can choose from Italian and Colombian roast which comes in a cafetiere which keeps it fresher for longer. At the back of the shop you can find a small shop featuring clothes, jewellery, pins and many other kooky bits and bobs for reasonable prices. The teas, coffee, cakes and food are all reasonably priced too. Thoroughly recommended!

During a cheeky little surprise trip to Southampton last weekend, I was taken to The Art House by…read morethe birthday boy himself! This is definitely the coolest place we saw in Southampton! Nestled in the Cultural Quarter, it oozes intriguing art vibes with its quirky decor, vegan menu and vast array of teas and hot drinks. The staff are great, especially their amazing dress sense (not sure if they're just *that* cool or its part of a uniform?....) and the Southampton Fog I had was delicious! At the back of the cafe you'll find a funky little second hand shop, all you need to kit yourself out like a trendy staff member! And in the front they're turned the windows into exhibition booths for you to sit and have tea and watch the world go by (or be watched by the world!) This place is right up my street, if I lived in Southampton I'd definitely make it a regular haunt, and for those that are thinking of visiting this port city of recommended heading there as soon as you get off the train!